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"I was taken into the intensive care unit in hospital... the septicaemia was so bad that I lost the ends of my feet and the tips of my fingers, but I haven’t let it stop me doing anything I wanted."

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Now Sophie is keen to make teenagers and their parents aware of the importance of getting vaccinated against deadly meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning).

She said: "I am now a student nurse at London South Bank University and I’ve been telling everyone at uni to get the MenACWY vaccine that’s now available, to protect them from the strain of the disease that made me ill - Men W.

"I know how dangerous the disease is and how quickly it can strike. Anyone eligible for the vaccine should get it as soon as possible."

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According to Public Health England (PHE), cases of meningitis and septicaemia caused by an aggressive Men W strain are on the rise and have been increasing year-on-year in England.

From 22 cases in 2009 to 176 cases in 2015, PHE and NHS England are encouraging young people across Surrey and Sussex, who are starting college or university this autumn, to get the MenACWY jab before they go.

Dr John Rodriguez, public health screening and immunisation lead for PHE, said: "The MenACWY vaccination programme will save lives and prevent lifelong and devastating disability."

It was a long road to recovery

"We have seen a rapid increase in Men W cases across England in recent years and vaccination is the most effective way of protecting against infection," Dr Rodriguez added.

"Young people are particularly at risk. Being in confined environments with close contact - such as university halls, hostels when travelling or attending festivals - increase the chances of infection if unprotected [without having had the vaccine].

"Get vaccinated as soon as possible, remain vigilant and seek urgent medical help if you have concerns for yourself or friends."